The State of California is working on finalizing the 2021-2022 State Budget and we need your help in fighting and advocating for the CA Dream Loan Program and Dream Resource Liaison programs to be adequately funded.

CA Dream Loan Program- This program was established in 2016 as a voluntary campus-based student loan program to provide loans to UC and CSU students. It allows students to retrieve up to $4,000 per year with an aggregate amount of $20,000 upon meeting other requirements. In 2019 this loan program was expanded to UC and CSU students attending professional or graduate programs. We are asking the state to allocate $10 million to continue the program for students in financial need, especially during this pandemic.

Dream Resource Liaison at Community Colleges- This state bill required that each public college and university designate a Dreamer Resource Liaison, a position that plays a significant role in guiding undocumented students navigate through their college years. The CA Community College (CCC) system is the largest system of higher education in the nation serving over 2.1 million students including an estimated 50,000-70,000 undocumented students. CA policymakers have enacted a number of statewide programs to support undocumented students access higher education but it is through the efforts of on campus staff like Dream Resource Liaisons that students become informed and have access to these resources. The 2021-2022 proposed budget allocates $5.8 million to fund positions across the CCC system but this is not enough. We are requesting for an additional $3 million to ensure more resources are allocated to each specific CCC.

The California Dream Network (CDN) will be hosting a digital Town Hall, Saturday, April 24 at 10AM, with elected state officials to advocate that these programs are adequately funded in the proposed 2021-2022 CA State Budget. Complete this Google form if you'd like to join us!